Inside People - McArthur puts Estes on modeling map

Local model becoming transgender leader

Casil McArthur appeared in W Magazine last month, jump-starting his modeling career that has inspired LGBTQ people everywhere. (Courtesy of W Magazine)

In the ever-changing world of this modern era, it could be said that no one better represents the advent of progress — at least here in Estes Park — than Casil McArthur. Both a model and an inspiration in his own right, the Estes Park native recently broke out of his small town and into the world of fashion and intrigue with his recent appearance in an issue of W Magazine.

Young models from small towns like Estes Park launch their career all the time, but McArthur's modeling specialty is different from almost all other professional models: he's transgender.

"I started modeling when I was really young ... and I've been doing it ever since," McArthur said. "Then last year I decided that I wasn't happy at all anymore because I was figuring out myself and who I was. I wasn't happy presenting myself as a female."

Unlike most teenagers who get a part-time job at a local restaurant or store, Estes Park's Casil McArthur modeling jobs require him to fly to photo shoots in New York City and other locations. (Photo by Rachel Ryan / Estes Park Trail-Gazette)

McArthur's transition began in December 2015 which Marcia Rothschild, a family friend, described as "empowering."

"Before [the transition] Casil pretty much spoke monosyllabically," Rothschild said. "Very little answers. Very short sentences. ... I'm not kidding, within a couple weeks of really empowering himself and being who he was he started writing letters to me like [Albert] Einstein."

The release of the gendered burden and the acceptance of who McArthur truly is at his core transformed both his personal and professional life.

"He's representing being who you are," Rothschild said. "What he represents is not those who are questioning their gender, but also those questioning their identity."

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Some may not expect a model to, in fact, become a role model, but McArthur's personal touch and care continues to astound many at home and afar.

"It's mind-blowing to me how many kids are looking up to him here [in Estes Park]," Rothschild said. "Casil's goal is to help others and it's always been. He's been that way his whole life."

Making a difference

The impact of McArthur's success is far-reaching. Though Estes Park is renowned for the splendor of the Rocky Mountains and the inescapable association with cowboys and a more rustic lifestyle, McArthur is breaking the mold of the small-town mentality. In fact, the close-knit community of Estes is a comfort and constant in his life.

"I think in Estes alone — at least among the friends I have — there's going to be so many amazing influences that come out of Estes because of the small community," he said. "So many bright and brilliant people that I know."

The individuality of both his part-time job and the ability to be himself creates a perspective that many people might react harshly to, but he described his peers as very caring and accepting.

"It wasn't too much of a difficult change for my friends really," McArthur said with a slight smile. "It takes a bit to learn the pronouns."

The strong support system he has here at home is crucial to his message that he wants to impart to the world: "I would like to be an influential person for people across the world. To understand and accept people who are like me, or people who can relate to my story in any way. Because I think a lot of people can relate to me, even if they're not transgender."

Though modeling in and of itself may seem akin to an unattainable vocation, McArthur is already well on his way to success.

He expressed a desire for his modeling career to continue into the future, and even if that doesn't work out, he has studying bioengineering in college as option No. 2.

"I want to be an advocate for not just the transgender community, but the LGBT community in general," he said. "Throughout my life, I have experienced a lot of things — I have had to figure out my identity so many different times and try to accept myself so many different times. And every single time I did it, it didn't work out. I changed. That's how it is. It doesn't make me any less of who I am."

In the fading light of the afternoon sun, McArthur gazed out of the living room window in his home and spoke about his future plans.

"At the end of the day — no matter who doesn't like you — as long as you're happiest with yourself that's all that matters," he said. "You go to bed with yourself."

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